21. Big O Fire/Elba (November 24)
Link to story
20. Urn found in Medina, returned to owner in Buffalo(July 11)
19. LeRoy/Pair charged in burglary(December 13)
18. Santa arrives/Batavia Wal-mart/Shop with a Cop(December 10)
17. Dead chickens thrown at house (December 17)
16. Dog rescued after falling through ice on Tonawanda Creek(December 23)
15. Wyoming County/Missing Gainesville man(December 18)
14. Alabama/Road filled with snow (December 14)
13. Wyoming County/DA releases Statement on Charlene Mess Sentencing(June 23)
Wyoming County DA releases statement on sentencing of Charlene Mess
Press release
PEOPLE V. CHARLENE MESS
UPDATE: JUNE 23, 2016
Today, the defendant, Charlene Mess, age 49, was sentenced to 25 years in state prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision based on her plea to Manslaughter in the First Degree. During the sentencing hearing Laura Scott, the sister of the deceased Douglas Mess, and Thomas Stroud, a friend of the Mess family both spoke on behalf of the victim Douglas Mess and his entire family. After both attorneys commented the defendant declined to make any comments.
“During my comments to the court I pointed out to the judge that in this case the defendant hit (NOT STABBED) the victim multiple times with a pitch fork knocking him to the ground rendering him helpless but alive. Once in that state the defendant went to get a small caliber gun, placed the gun directly on the back of his head and shot him. Once the murder was complete the defendant tied the victim’s hands and feet with bailing wire, she then dragged him out of that part of the barn with an electric feed cart (which is capable of moving hundreds of pounds of animal feed) to a part of the barn where she was then able to scoop the victim up with a skid steer. She then drove him out to the manure pile where she buried his body hoping that his body would decompose quickly so that his body would never be discovered. The defendant then planned and fostered a story around Mr. Mess being missing. She gave a statement to the NYSP on the day after the murder stating that she did not know where he was and that she had thought he had been called into work. While she was giving this statement the victim’s sons and friends were on the farm looking for him. The defendant also acted like she was also looking for his whereabouts when she saddled her horse and rode around the farm. It wasn’t until one of the sons noticed the disturbed manure pile that the defendant’s behavior began to change. As soon as the members of the search party and the state police descended upon the manure pile where his body laid the defendant had an anxiety attack and was taken to the hospital. The investigation at that point centered on the defendant; which then led to today’s conviction and sentence.
I want to thank the members of the New York State Police, especially the major crime unit, for leading this investigation along with assistance from members of the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, the Attica Fire Department, Wyoming County Emergency Management, the Coroner’s office and the many others who helped bring the Mess family justice in this case. In cases like this collaboration of resources and cross agency cooperation is key to the final result.
This sentence will not bring Doug back to his family, but at least it will keep his killer away from society for a very long time. The family will now go forward remembering Doug as a hardworking, gentle and kind man who was always there for his family and community. I wish them all strength during this difficult time,” said Wyoming County District Attorney, Donald O’Geen.
12. WYOMING COUNTY/Perry/Pioneer Credit to add jobs
(October 28)
11. Bergen Fire opens a new chapter with ambulance dedication
(April22)
10. Batavia/Shop with a Cop at Wal-mart(December 10)
9. Batavia/Bank robbery at Key Bank(December 27)
8. Two children die in house fire on State street road(May 20)
7. Genesee County/Travel advisory issued(December 14)
6. Batavia/Christmas Tree on Redfield Parkway(December 11)
5. Batavia/Two men rescue driver from burning pick up(October 31)
4. Batavia/Coffee with a Cop(November 11)
3. Byron man dies in train accident(November 6)
2. Dog reunited with owner after 8 months(September 10)
GENESEE COUNTY/Batavia
Dog reunited with owners after 8 months
Story and video by Julie Carasone
Pam and Joe McLaughlin never thought that this day would come.
8 months ago, Pam let her dogs Maggie and Kacy out as normal. It was February 1, 2016.
Maggie came back, but Kacy did not.
Pam said they tried several times to bring him in, but he would never come to them.
There were also several sightings of Kacy over the 8 months, but he would always run away.
The Mclaughlins then posted on the Genesee County, NY Lost and Found Pets Facebook page and even started their own Facebook page, “Bring Kacy Home”. They posted updates and even shared other missing animal’s posts.
On Thursday, someone posted that a dog was located in the Shepard road area in Batavia. The posting said the dog finally came on their porch long enough to take a picture. Someone recognized the dog as Kacy and alerted the owners.
Animal Control Officer Ann Marie Brande was called to set a trap at the Shepard road location. By Friday she captured the dog and brought him to the Genesee County Animal Shelter. Volunteers for Animals have kept in contact with McLaughlin and were taking care of the dog until he was able to be reunited with the McLaughlins.
After a a rabies shot, VFA contacted McLaughlin and let her know she could come in and pick Kacy up.
As soon as she heard this, Pam and her husband rushed from their residence in Almond, NY to get Kacy.
Kacy was never so happy to see his mom and dad. He still remembered them after being gone for 8 months and 9 days.
No one knows how Kacy made it all the way to Batavia from Almond NY, which is located in Allegany County, a good 80 miles away. But he is home now with his sister Maggie and other 4-legged brother and sisters, Budweiser, Milly and Sparky.
The McLaughlin’s are happy to report that all tails were wagging when they got home Saturday afternoon.
Pam says you should never give up hope, and keep looking and praying, you just never know.
She also thanked Animal Control Officer Ann Marie Brande for capturing Kacy and the resident for posting her picture on the Facebook page, all helped in having their family reunited again.
She also thanked Volunteers for Animals for taking great care of Kacy until they were able to pick him up in Batavia.
For information on donations or adoption, please go to www.vol4animals.org
If you are missing a pet or found an animal you can also go to
https://www.facebook.com/groups/487562227949312/
- 85 year old woman attempts to plead guilty in drug case(August 16)